Ulcer and blood thinners

[Poisedon]

I wanted to find out if blood thinners increase the risk of developing an ulcer.I have consulted with a cardiologist and he does not believe it can do this. Another cardiologist indicated to me that it can exacerbate an existing ulcer by increasing the chance for bleeding. Finally, a gastroenterologist stated to me that blood thinners can cause ulcers. What are your thoughts regarding this?

[Autumn_Leaves]

I think you need to see a gastroenterologist to address this problem, ideally. I take it you’ve been tested for H pylori. If you’re diagnosed with an ulcer have you been offered any kind of effective treatment so far?

[Poisedon in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

H pylori was negative. I was taking a PPI for two months along with sucralfate after diagnosed. Now on pepcid. I believe that the blood thinner caused this problem. I don't take any NSAIDS.

[BobD Volunteer]

Anticoagulants don't cause bleeding or injury . What they can do is make bleeding more likely in the event of such an injury occurring . Therefor in the event of an ulcer forming then bleeding may well be more likely. They are NOT a cause of ulcers.

It has been said on occasions that anticoagaulants have saved lives due to bleeding showing up lesions which might otherwise have remained hidden until the cause had progressed to terminal condition.

[Poisedon in reply to BobD]

 I read that some people had experienced heartburn as a result of taking a bloodthinner. Have you read anywhere regarding this side effect from taking a bloodthinner?

[CDreamer in reply to Poisedon]

My understanding is that anticoagulants cannot cause ulcers if taken correctly. Asprin (anti-platelet) can.

Stomach ulcers occur when the layer protecting the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down. This allows the stomach lining to become damaged.This is usually caused by:an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteriataking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin – particularly if they're taken for a long time or at high dosesThere's little evidence that stress or certain foods causes stomach ulcers.

I don’t believe anyone can say for absolute certain what does or not cause individuals’ ulcer other than when the stomach lining breaks down it leads to damage which can lead to ulcers.

Never seen anything ever about a link to ulcers and anticoagulation so I would ask your gastro person to explain why they believe anticoagulants cause ulcers, also ask what’s the alternative for you.

Which anticoagulant do you take and for how long? Maybe try changing to an alternative?

[Poisedon in reply to CDreamer]

I have been taking Eliquis for around 6 months. I avoid all nsaids. I do feel that my heartburn is exacerbated after taking this blood thinner. Again I read on some forums that some people had experienced heartburn as a result of taking aphixaban. So I counteract it by taking an H2 blocker-famotidine. I don't like PPI because long term usage is not recommended. Will consult gastroenterologist again.

[Karendeena in reply to Poisedon]

Hi Poisedon, I take apixaban and famotidine. My main reason is because I am on low dose steroids for polymyalgia. I too can't take PPIs

[Auriculaire in reply to Poisedon]

One of the side effects I get from Apixaban is some acid reflux but it does not really cause heartburn for me.

[Hidden]

G'day Poisedon,

I'm not a medical professional and I can't comment on the new anticoagulants but I've been taking Warfarin ( 5 mgs and 4 mgs on alternate days) for 13 years, ( back in the days when the NOACS were still at testing stage) and I have NEVER had a ulcer. Still haven't. Do you by any chance take any Ibuprofen type product or have you taken it over a long period ? See below .........

"Gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, hypertension, heart conditions, kidney failure.m These are just some of the gruesome side effects that can be found on the Ibuprofen label."

I would totally disregard anticoagulants as a cause of the ulcer.

John

[secondtry]

Not sure if I had or have a peptic ulcer but it was a contributory reason for me to postpone taking ACs.

[Mrsvemb]

Well my response to this is different to everyone else’s.

I was diagnosed with gastritis and a gastric ulcer with recent bleeding whilst taking Rivaroxaban.

The endoscopy report actually said it was drug related.

We are all different! I refused to continue with Rivaroxaban and would never take them again.

After what happened to me, I never take my anticoagulants, currently Dabigatran alternated with Apixaban, on an empty stomach. I always take with food.

Personally, for this I take what the gastroenterologist says over the cardiologist.

It wasn’t that long ago that cardiologists were saying that anticoagulants don’t cause hair loss in some people. It is now listed as a possible side effect.

I think you will get conflicting answers from gastroenterologist and cardiologist so I guess you have to make your own mind up on this. Why not always make sure that you always take your anticoagulants with food.

[Poisedon in reply to Mrsvemb]

I am going to get an endoscopy done again and ask the gastroenterologist what he would recommend. I know for sure that I get heartburn when I take the elliquis even though I take it with food. I have such a sensitive stomach. I even started to crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce to see if that would help but can't tell as yet. I thought that this was all in my mind until I read other people who had similar experiences experiencing heartburn.

[Afibflipper]

I guess it may depend on on which PPI you’re on and if it is effective - I used to take Omeprazole, then Lansoprazole but both stopped working until gastro prescribed Rabeprazole 20mg - hope you get sorted soon

[MarkS]

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) can cause ulcers, see medsafe.govt.nz/safety/ews/.... "Pradaxa is known to be associated with the development of ulcers in the digestive tract. However, recent case reports have highlighted that Pradaxa can also cause the development of ulcers in the oesophagus (food pipe)." However it does suggest taking with a full glass of water and with food.

[CDreamer in reply to MarkS]

Dabigatran I had gastric issues with.

[Janey1955]

I have been taking apaxiban for 3 years and I have no gastric problems or hair loss. Fingers crossed that continues. I don’t necessarily take with food but after your post I may now do so

Jane

[Marytew]

All I can say is that I after being on Apixaban for a couple of years with no problems and with no previous gastric problems (even minor) I suddenly had a gastric bleed and was taken into hospital and found to have a gastric ulcer. Was there a link? I don't know, but the Gastroenterologist seemed to think so. I continue on Apixaban because of my concern regarding a stroke - however, my anxiety regarding the possibility of another gastric bleed is ever present.

[Poisedon in reply to Marytew]

There could be supplements that might help protect your stomach lining. You would have to consult with a knowledgeable nutritional consultant.

[Peacefulneedshelp]

I may have read the same article you did, and it indicated that they do cause ulcers